HAWKERS and close contacts in Chai Leng Park, Perai, have been offered free Covid-19 screenings today (June 28) and tomorrow (June 29) – thanks to the collaboration between Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia, the Perai assemblyman service centre, Seberang Perai City Council and the district health centre.
It is learnt that some 400 people in Chai Leng Park, Perai, will be undergoing the swab test under the effort.
Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia commissioner Khoo Boo Leong said the screenings were provided following the recent Covid-19 cluster in the area.
“Our volunteers started screening those who had registered since 10am today at the Chai Leng Park multi-purpose hall. The screenings were completed at 2.15pm.
“We managed to screen 194 people. Three test results came back positive,” he said.
Khoo said the Covid-19 screenings would continue tomorrow (June 29).
“The screenings were done by two doctors with the support of nurses from Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) and Tzu Chi volunteers.
“We also gave away a bottle of hand sanitiser and face masks to those who came for the screening,” he said.
Free vegetarian food by Nasi Kandar Pelita were also provided to those who came for the screening.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who visited the multi-purpose hall at about 11.30am today, said a Covid-19 cluster was detected at the Chai Leng Park market on June 20.
“We had a few cases and the market was closed by the Health Department.
“Penang Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh contacted Tzu Chi for assistance and the organisation agreed to come forward and provide 400 Covid-19 screenings,” Dr Ramasamy said.
He thanked Tzu Chi for their assistance.
“The Covid-19 test is a reassurance to the people that they are free from Covid-19,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia
